Pump System and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A multi-pump assembly and method of use including a housing and at least two pumps contained within the housing is described, wherein each pump has a performance level. In an embodiment, the performance level of each pump is the same. In another embodiment, the performance level of each pump is different. The assembly may also include a common electrical inlet, a common fuel inlet connection, a common fuel outlet connection, a pressure regulator, a final filter, an outlet check valve connected to each pump, a plurality of over pressure relief valves connected to each pump and an over pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in the housing, an electronic controller capable of operating each pump independently, a fuel filter and a pressure regulator in the housing to form a returnless fuel supply, and/or a final filter. The assembly may be used in a multiple carburetor or fuel injection applications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to devicespumps, and more specifically relate to high flow fuel pumps.

2. Description of the Related Art

The performance market has a segment that requires very high flow fuelpumps to supply the demands of large horsepower engines. The pumps aregenerally limited to these unique race engines. They contain warningsconcerning their use for off-track applications due to the high currentand flow recirculation requirements.

Generally, electric fuel pump designs match the peak torque of the motorperformance curve with the pumping element to achieve the desired flowat a pressure point. As a result, the current suppliers develop multiplepumps to address some of the known requirements in the market bygrouping their product into horsepower rating brackets.

This grouping is convenient for the supplier but can complicate the fuelmanagement for the engine builder. If the horsepower is lower than theknown bracket, the user would be forced to choose a higher flow pump andtry to manage a high return flow. If the horsepower were higher than theknown brackets, the user would be forced to try to stretch the pump flowby increasing the pump voltage, which then increases the flow. Thisoption is not preferable to the pump supplier because these variablesare not recognized in the pump development and pose a risk ofinconsistent performance or pump damage.

Currently, this need is met with very large and very expensive electricfuel pumps. These pumps require extensive investment dollars anddevelopment time to provide a reliable product. Therefore, a need existsto find a faster, less expensive and more reliable approach that offersfull-race performance and off-track use.

Additionally, some devices consist of self-sealed, in-line pumps. Thesedevices are significantly large and heavier than is desired in allsituations. These devices typically require disassembly to attach a wireharness and mount the assembly. Additionally, devices of this naturehave a significant number of joints. Joints can potentially leak.Moreover, devices with self-sealed, in-line pumps typically are noisierbecause the pumps are exposed to the environment and are a solid mountto the inlet and outlet housings. There exists a need to provide anassembly that can contain more than one pump in a smaller and lighterconfiguration. There also exists a need to provide a less expensive andless complex configuration for this purpose. There also exists a need tooffer a more convenient wiring solution. There also exists a need toreduce the number of joints to offer less potential leak exposure.Additionally, there exists a need to contain pumps so as to reducenoise. Finally, there exists a need to provide pumps that may besuspended inside a sealed housing in a manner that reduces or eliminatesmetal-to-metal connections.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to multiple fuelpumps that have been fully developed and endurance tested in theoriginal equipment automotive industry. By matching the engine builder'spump flow and pressure requirement by grouping existing pumps into oneassembly with a common inlet and outlet, this grouping could include atleast two pumps, preferably two, three, or four pumps, depending on theunique requirements. Additionally, the present invention can sequencethe pumps individually to stage the current draw and dramatically reducethe return flow to the tank. This will reduce the heat build up in thefuel, which reduces the opportunity for vapor lock to form.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-pumpassembly and method of use of such an assembly are described, themulti-pump assembly including a housing and at least two pumps containedin the housing, wherein each pump has a performance level. In accordancewith one aspect of this embodiment, the performance level of each pumpis the same. In accordance with a further aspect of this embodiment, theperformance level of each pump is different. The assembly may alsoinclude a common electrical inlet, a common fuel inlet connection, acommon fuel outlet connection, a pressure regulator, a final filter, anoutlet check valve inside each pump, an over pressure relief passageformed around the pumps in the housing, an electronic controller capableof operating each pump independently, a fuel filter and a pressureregulator in the housing to form a returnless fuel supply, and/or afinal filter. The assembly may be used in a variety of applications,including in a multiple carburetor or fuel injection applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these figures in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional, partial side view of an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional, partial side view of anapplication of an embodiment of the invention.

While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodimentshave been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described indetail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these specificembodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of theinventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, thefigures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate theinventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and toenable such person to make and use the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Figures described above and the written description of specificstructures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope ofwhat Applicants have invented or the scope of the appended claims.Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach anyperson skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for whichpatent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions aredescribed or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons ofskill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actualcommercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventionswill require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve thedeveloper's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Suchimplementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are notlimited to, compliance with system-related, business-related,government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specificimplementation, location and from time to time. While a developer'sefforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, suchefforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skillin this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understoodthat the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible tonumerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, theuse of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is notintended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relationalterms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,”“upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in thewritten description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appendedclaims.

Applicants have created a device capable of providing a housing, whichcontains at least two fuel pumps. This invention may include matching ormixing pumps to meet the specifications and needs of the engine.Moreover, this invention offers the advantage of common electrical, fuelinlet, and fuel outlet connections. This arrangement may also allow foroptions for controlling the pumps individually based on various inputchoices. Additionally, this invention offers the option for integratinga pressure regulator and/or final filter for complete fuel systemmanagement.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary two-pumpconfiguration in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, two pumps 12 and 14 are shown arranged side-by-sidewithin a common housing 10. These pumps 12 and 14 may operate singly, orsimultaneously so as to provide the specified flow of fluid duringengine operation.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that pumps 12 and 14 may bematched in performance levels, or be different in performance levels.This allows for the pairing of flow and pressure options to permit amore accurate matching to the engine builder's specifications. Theresult is an optimized pump performance for current, pressure, and flow.Each pump 12 and 14 has an outlet check valve 16 and 18, respectively,to hold fuel pressure when the voltage is not applied or when they areturned off.

Moreover, the pumps 12 and 14 also have over pressure relief valves 20and 22, respectively. In the unlikely event of a system blockage whilethe pumps 12 and 14 are energized, the over pressure relief valves 20 or22 will open at safe pressure above system pressure. The fuel will bedischarged into the cavity 24 around the pumps 12 and 14, respectively.This fuel can then pass around the housing inlet O-ring cushions 32 and34 through slots 26 provided within the housing and recirculate back tothe inlets of the pumps 12 and 14. This prevents pump damage andexcessive system pressure that could result in a major fuel leak.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the housing 10 for the fuelpumps. Pumps 12 and 14 are shown in relation to the housing andassociated seals which make up the assembly of the present disclosure.The housing inlet O-ring seal 28 and housing outlet O-ring seal 30 allowfor the sealing of the pumps 12 and 14 inside the housing 10, which ispreferably made of an appropriate metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, or metalalloys), although any other suitable material, such as carbon fiber orsuitable polymeric materials as appropriate.

The pumps 12 and 14 are shown with pump O-rings 32 and inlet strainers34, respectively. The pump O-rings 32 act together to preventmetal-to-metal vibration noise during operation of the pump assembly.

Moreover, the pumps 12 and 14 are fitted at one end into inlet housing36, which may be held in place by fasteners 38. In a preferredembodiment, the fasteners 38 are assembly screws, although any othersuitable attachment means may be used. The housing 10 also preferablyincludes mounting holes 40 to allow for the assembled housing 10 to bemounted onto the vehicle or other application.

Turning to the outlet end of the pumps 12 and 14, fuel tubes 42 and 44connect and seal pumps 12 and 14 to the pump outlet, respectively. Anoutlet housing 54 is shown expanded above the fuel tubes 42 that may beheld in place by fasteners 56. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners56 are assembly screws, although any other appropriate attachment meansmay be used for securing the outlet housing 54 to the housing 10, asappropriate.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, a bulkhead connector 58 is included toseal wires (not shown) that pass through and connect to the pumps 12 and14. This connector 58 may be held in place by a retainer ring 60 orother suitable retaining means. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat any number of wires or similar means may be connected to the pumps12 and 14 via this connector 58. O-rings 59 may be included asappropriate so as to seal connector 58 within the mounting hole ofhousing 54.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure in a representative configuration. In thisembodiment, the housing 10 is shown such that pumps 12 and 14 arepositioned in a typical operational orientation. The area around thepumps 12 and 14 illustrates the over pressure relief passage through aplurality of slots 26 that may be used to return fuel to the pump inletswhen either of the over pressure relief valves 20, 22 are actuated byexcessive pressure within one or both of the pumps 12, 14.

The bulkhead connector 58 acts to seal wires 64 that pass through andconnect to the pumps 12 and 14, powering the pumps. The outlets of pumps12 and 14 are connected via fuel filter 66 to engine 68.

An alternative embodiment includes operating the pumps independentlywith an electronic controller. This could be activated by staging theiroperation based on engine RPM, air flow, fuel flow, throttle position orpressure drop as examples of trigger signals. Another alternativeembodiment would be the use of this invention in a multiple carburetorapplication.

Another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, includes incorporating thefuel filter 66 and pressure regulator 70 into a regulator housing 74 toform a returnless fuel supply such that fuel is returned to the tank 72via the regulator 70. This embodiment reduces the potential for heatingthe fuel by returning it to the tank from the pump assembly instead ofthe engine fuel rail. Another embodiment includes integrating the finalfilter 66 option only.

Further, the various methods and embodiments of the invention can beincluded in combination with each other to produce variations of thedisclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements caninclude plural elements and vice-versa.

The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwisespecifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combinedwith other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split intomultiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally andcan be embodied as separate components or can be combined intocomponents having multiple functions.

The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and otherembodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has beendescribed. Obvious modifications and alterations to the describedembodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thedisclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit orrestrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by theApplicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicantsintend to fully protect all such modifications and improvements thatcome within the scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.

1. A multi-pump assembly comprising: a housing; at least two pumpscontained in the housing; an outlet check valve inside each pump; and anover pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in the housing;wherein each pump has a performance level.
 2. The multi-pump assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the performance level of each pump is the same.
 3. Themulti-pump assembly of claim 1 wherein the performance level of eachpump is different.
 4. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising a common electrical inlet.
 5. The multi-pump assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a common fuel inlet connection.
 6. Themulti-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a common fuel outletconnection.
 7. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising apressure regulator.
 8. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising a final filter.
 9. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising an electronic controller capable of operating each pumpindependently.
 10. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 wherein themulti-pump assembly is capable of being used in a multiple carburetor orfuel injection applications.
 11. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1further comprising a fuel filter and a pressure regulator in the housingto form a returnless fuel supply.
 12. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1further comprising a final filter.
 13. A method of using a multi-pumpassembly, wherein the pump assembly comprises: a housing; at least twopumps contained in the housing; an outlet check valve inside each pump;and an over pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in thehousing; wherein each pump has a performance level; which methodcomprises the step of: controlling each pump individually.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 further comprising integrating a pressure regulator.15. The method of claim 13 further comprising integrating a finalfilter.
 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising a fuel filter anda pressure regulator into the housing to form a returnless fuel supply.